chain gang

USAGE SUMMARY

"chain gang" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a group of prisoners who are chained together and forced to work on labor-intensive tasks, such as road construction or farming. Example: "The prison warden decided to implement a chain gang as a form of punishment for the inmates who had repeatedly caused trouble in the facility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

5) Eliminate the chain gang.

The Guardian - Sport

"We've got a chain gang working on the road".

The New Yorker

Let's return to the baby and the chain gang.

The Guardian - Opinion

He served 28 days on a North Carolina chain gang.

The New York Times - Books

His ankles are scarred from the chain gang.

The Guardian - Music

By his own account, he also survived two shootings and spent time on a chain gang.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

He skipped through a series of chain-gang lurches.

The New Yorker

A chain-gang incubator might seem like a mad idea.

The Guardian - Opinion

A visitor may hear an Uzbek folk ensemble or a prison chain-gang chant.

The New York Times

A chain-gang warden sued Warner for defaming him in the film.

The New York Times

In "O Brother," Everett's two chain-gang pals, Delmar and Pete, also radiate an offbeat sweetness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chain gang", be mindful of its historical context and potential to evoke sensitive associations with penal labor in the United States, especially in the South.

Common error

Avoid using "chain gang" lightly or metaphorically without understanding or acknowledging its origins in systems of racial injustice and forced labor. Using it inappropriately can be insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chain gang" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a specific type of labor group, often associated with penal systems. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, referring to both historical and contemporary situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chain gang" is a noun phrase referring to a group of prisoners performing manual labor while chained together. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, primarily in news and historical contexts. Given its sensitive historical associations with forced labor and racial injustice, using the phrase requires careful consideration of its implications. While "chain gang" is a valid term, alternative phrases like "labor squad" or "convict work crew" may be more appropriate depending on the context. It's crucial to be mindful of the phrase's history to avoid insensitivity. Overall, understanding the connotations of "chain gang" is essential for responsible and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gang of convicts

Inverts the original phrase while retaining the core meaning.

road crew of prisoners

Specifies the type of work typically associated with a chain gang and the status of the workers.

convict work crew

Emphasizes the convict nature of the workers and their assigned task.

prison work detail

A shorter, more direct way to refer to a group of prisoners performing work.

labor squad

Focuses on the labor aspect, removing the specific connotation of prisoners.

forced labor detail

Highlights the aspect of forced labor, applicable in contexts beyond just prisons.

penal workgroup

Uses more formal language to describe a workgroup of incarcerated individuals.

hard labor group

Focuses on the intensity and nature of the work being performed.

inmate work party

Replaces "gang" with "party", which can soften the negative connotation.

group of prisoners doing manual labor

A more descriptive and neutral alternative to the original phrase.

FAQs

What does "chain gang" mean?

A "chain gang" refers to a group of prisoners chained together to perform manual labor, historically associated with harsh conditions and penal labor practices in the United States.

What is a more neutral term for "chain gang"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "labor squad", "convict work crew", or "prison work detail" to describe a group of prisoners performing labor.

How can I use "chain gang" in a sentence?

Example: "The historical documentary explored the use of "chain gang"s in the post-Civil War South."

Is it appropriate to use "chain gang" metaphorically?

Using "chain gang" metaphorically can be insensitive due to its strong associations with historical injustice. Consider alternative phrases like "forced labor detail" or "hard labor group" depending on the intended meaning.